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Melbourne City and Newcastle Jets meet in the first of the A-League Round 23 games on the second weekend of the split round on Saturday.

Melbourne City get the chance to put pressure on the chasing pack by cementing their place in third place on the A-League ladder with victory over Newcastle Jets on Saturday.

In what is the first game on the second weekend of the split round, City start as strong favourites to enhance their claims for a home final.

They come into this game on the back of a win over Central Coast Mariners two weeks ago and can move three points clear of fourth-placed Brisbane Roar, who play on Sunday.

Newcastle Jets still have eyes on ending their six-year absence from the A-League finals and can actually move into sixth spot with a three-goal victory on Sunday, as unlikely as that may be.

The bad news for Mark Jones' side is their form on the road with Newcastle having lost their last three games - and are now winless in their last five fixtures.

Newcastle's last win ironically came at home to City when the Jets won 2-1, a scoreline Melbourne had won the earlier encounter between the two sides at AAMI Park in November.

This looks a fine opportunity for City to put daylight between themselves and the Roar once again, temporarily at least.

Stats

Newcastle Jets are winless in their last five games

The Jets have won just one of the last eight visits to Melbourne City

The two teams shared a win apiece in the previous meetings this season (both 2-1)

Team News

Manny Muscat returns from suspension for Melbourne City and Danie Arzani and Denis Genreau are promoted to the squad, but Fernando Brandan has been ruled out for the rest of the season. He joins Corey Gamerio, Dean Bouzanis and Steve Kuzmanovski on the long-term absentee list.

Newcastle Jets goalkeeper Jack Duncan return from injury and joins Harrison Sawyer, Ivan Vujica and Joel Allwright in being added to the squad, but Jason Hoffman drop out as he serves a one-game ban.